Why List Size Doesn’t Matter (Much)

I recently “came out of the closet” on a number that most big names in the online marketing space are all-too-slow to reveal.  Yep, I’m talking about that all-important list size.  (As of this writing, my list size is well under 1000, and therefore considered very small by most experts.)

Most marketing gurus teach that you need to build a big list of potential clients before you can successfully sell anything.  So how is it possible that I crossed the 6-figure mark last year within a matter of months, without a big list?  After all, “the money is in the list,” right?

Actually, not exactly.  The money is in the relationship you have with the people in your circle, including the people in your email database (i.e., your list).

When have a great relationship with your peeps, based on giving great value in every interaction, they’re happy to invest with you when it’s a fit for them.  The really cool thing for heart-centered entrepreneurs? Relationship-building is one of our natural strengths!  And as I can tell you from first-hand experience, it’s a heck of a lot of fun, too.

Here are my top 3 favorite ways to build the long-lasting love that leads to lucrative launches (sorry – I couldn’t resist):

Content, content, content. There is nothing like content to create the relationships that lead to paying clients.  Great content positions you as an expert in your subject area and demonstrates that you are a problem-solver.  Content also ethically activates some very powerful tools of influence, such as reciprocity (the urge to give back to someone who has given to you), likeability, and trust.

Remember that when it comes to content, quality and consistency count more than length.  Also remember that sharing information about yourself also counts as content.  Which leads me to tip #2…

Connection, connection, connection. Your clients don’t want just your announcements and they definitely don’t want ads.  They want to get to know you.  And they want to know that you care about them.  So tell them!  And better yet, show them by communicating with them on a regular basis (i.e., more than just once per month) and giving them great content they can use in their business right now.

Give before you get. A lot of spirited entrepreneurs fall prey to what I call the “buy my stuff!” syndrome.  You know what I’m talking about – where you only hear from them when they have something to promote, or their “newsletter” is full of nothing but promotions and announcements.

Now, if you’re guilty of “buy my stuff!” please don’t be hard on yourself – I’ve discovered that one reason why well-meaning entrepreneurs do this is because they don’t know what to do otherwise, or how to do it.  That said, if you have been “buy my stuff”-ing your clients, it’s time to make a shift.

What if you’ve got a list and you haven’t communicated with them in a while? There’s no time like the present to start.  Be yourself and send some great content – it could be an ezine, a video or a free report with tips.  Just be sure to re-introduce yourself and address “the elephant in the room” – that you haven’t sent them anything in a while, but you’d like to offer them something cool now.

If you are sending something to your list for the first time in a long time, let them know how they can unsubscribe.  They’ll appreciate your consideration for their time and inbox.  (If you do get some unsubscribes, what’s the big deal?  These peeps weren’t meant to be in your tribe anyway – bless them as they go on their way.)

No matter what, don’t put it off making contact.  Lack of relationship is one of the biggest reasons why spirit-rich launches fail and it’s something you have 100% control over.

My coach’s request to you: find just one thing you can do, every week without fail, to connect with your peeps, give great value and let them know you care.  Make it simple so you have no excuses for not doing it.  Then get going and make it a new habit – starting now.

© 2010 Elizabeth Genco Purvis.  All Rights Reserved.

Want to use this article on your website, blog or in your own ezine? No problem! But here’s what you MUST include:

Elizabeth Genco Purvis, “The Marketing Goddess” teaches spirited solo business owners and conscious entrepreneurs how to attract an abundance of clients, income, freedom and satisfaction in their business while staying true to their values.  Visit MarketingGoddess.com to claim your copy of “Grow Your Business With Spirit And Soul,” a 7-part audio workshop with everything you need to begin attracting more clients right away.